From Kevin Porter Jr. to Jeremy Sochan: NBA players cut who could rise again in Europe

Several high-quality players have found themselves without a place in the NBA as the start of the season approaches. Some were lottery picks in the Draft, others have won rings, and there are also wings capable of putting up significant numbers. For many, Europe may become a real alternative to regain prominence, find stability, and rejuvenate a career that seems to have stalled in the United States.

Franchises have closed their rosters, and the latest cuts have left names that can still contribute a lot to basketball. While some may find a new opportunity in the NBA in the coming weeks, others may need to consider a change of scenery. The EuroLeague and the top European leagues could benefit from an unexpectedly attractive market.

Kevin Porter Jr. and Jeremy Sochan, two particularly striking cases

Kevin Porter Jr. is one of the most surprising names among the players who have found themselves without a contract. The swingman was waived by Milwaukee after averaging 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists last season, in which he played 38 games. Injuries limited his availability, but his ability to create plays and take on offensive responsibilities is beyond doubt.

Porter already tried his luck in Greece with PAOK in 2024, where he averaged 22 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game in six Greek league games. His return to European basketball would be a significant impact signing for any team able to offer him a leading role.

Another interesting case is Jeremy Sochan, the ninth pick of the 2022 Draft. At 23 years old, the Polish player has been through three teams in 2026 and has seen his prominence drastically reduced. After averaging 11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists with San Antonio in the 2023-24 season, he dropped to 3.6 points in the last campaign between the Spurs and the Knicks.

His physical profile, ability to defend multiple positions, and international experience could make him a very attractive player for Europe. The main question remains his outside shooting, but he still has room to rebuild his career.

Chris Boucher, Dwight Powell, and other veterans with winning experience

Chris Boucher is another name to keep in mind. The Canadian big man was an NBA champion with Toronto and was able to average 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in the 2020-21 season. His last spell in the league was challenging, but his combination of mobility, outside threat, and rim protection could work in a competitive European team.

Dwight Powell also stands out, as he has just completed nearly twelve years in Dallas. He was never a star, but he played 763 games with the Mavericks and was part of the team that reached the Finals in 2024. His experience, ability to finish near the rim, and knowledge of team play could make him a reliable big man for a club looking for depth.

Among the wings, Haywood Highsmith offers an interesting defensive profile. He was a rotational piece for Miami and reached the Finals in 2023 with the Heat. Before injuries affected his stay, he exceeded 39% shooting from three-point range. If he regains his best physical condition, he could provide outside defense and shooting to a EuroLeague team.

Brandon Boston Jr. represents a younger bet. At 24 years old, he had a productive stint with New Orleans in the 2024-25 season, averaging 10.7 points per game. Europe could offer him the minutes and continuity he has not been able to find in the United States.

Kevin Knox and Orlando Robinson, opportunities to regain prominence

Kevin Knox, the ninth pick of the 2018 Draft, is still searching for a stable opportunity. His G League production has been notable: he averaged 22.7 points and 8.2 rebounds in 26 games last season with Windy City. However, he also failed to secure a spot after his last opportunity with Orlando. A European experience could allow him to transform that performance into a more consistent professional career.

For his part, Orlando Robinson has demonstrated that he can produce when given minutes. In the G League, he averaged 17.1 points and 10.7 rebounds per game over a ten-game sample, numbers that indicate he has the capability to physically dominate certain matchups. At 26 years old, he can still find a context in which to develop his potential.

Gary Harris also appears, a 32-year-old wing who averaged 17.5 points with Denver in the 2017-18 season. Injuries and the loss of prominence have reduced his production, but his defensive experience and shooting history could be valuable in Europe.

Each player's situation is different: some may still find an NBA contract, while others need to regain continuity, confidence, or health. However, the European market has an opportunity to incorporate talent that, for various reasons, has stopped finding space in the United States. For several of these names, changing continents could be much more than an alternative: it could be the beginning of a second phase in their careers.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, De Kevin Porter Jr. a Jeremy Sochan: los jugadores cortados por la NBA que podrían resurgir en Europa